Adaptive output inflator
First Claim
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1. An airbag inflator comprising:
- a housing defining a first chamber which in a static state contains a quantity of a first gas generant material ignitable to produce first combustion products including a first inflation gas, the first chamber also containing a second chamber which in a static state is closed and contains a quantity of a second gas generant material ignitable to produce second combustion products, the second chamber including a lid closure adapted to open to place the second combustion products in fluid communication with the contents of the first chamber;
a first igniter device operatively associated with the first chamber; and
a second igniter device operatively associated with the second chamber.
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Abstract
An airbag inflator which can supply airbag inflation gas in an adaptive output is provided. The subject inflator includes two discrete and isolated chambers of gas generant materials. At least one of the chambers includes a lid closure adapted to open to place the combustion products formed within the associated chamber in fluid communication with the contents of the other chamber. The subject inflator permits several distinct inflation performance scenarios while desirably employing a single set of inflation gas treatment components, such as filters, for the treatment of products of both chambers.
111 Citations
17 Claims
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1. An airbag inflator comprising:
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a housing defining a first chamber which in a static state contains a quantity of a first gas generant material ignitable to produce first combustion products including a first inflation gas, the first chamber also containing a second chamber which in a static state is closed and contains a quantity of a second gas generant material ignitable to produce second combustion products, the second chamber including a lid closure adapted to open to place the second combustion products in fluid communication with the contents of the first chamber;
a first igniter device operatively associated with the first chamber; and
a second igniter device operatively associated with the second chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of generating inflation gas via an airbag inflator which includes:
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a housing defining a first chamber which in a static state contains a quantity of a first gas generant material ignitable to produce first combustion products including a first inflation gas, the first chamber having a plurality of spaced apart gas exit ports adapted to open to permit passage of the first inflation gas from the airbag inflator, the first chamber also containing a second chamber which in a static state is closed and contains a quantity of a second gas generant material ignitable to produce second combustion products including a second inflation gas, the second chamber including a lid closure adapted to open to place the second combustion products in fluid communication with the contents of the first chamber;
a first igniter device operatively associated with the first chamber; and
a second igniter device operatively associated with the second chamber;
said method comprising the step of actuating at least one of the first and second igniter devices. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification